Take aim like a pro and rule the pool table!

Make sure no parts are loose. Any loose parts will absorb the energy from your shots and will hamper your ability to strike the ball well.

Chalk the cue tip before every shot as though you’re brushing the chalk on with a paintbrush. Avoid twisting the chalk on top of the cue.

Hold your cue parallel to the table for maximum control.

Accelerate gradually as you approach the ball. Imagine that you are moving your arm through the water in a swimming pool instead of hitting the ball with a quick strike. A longer stroke imparts more momentum to the ball.

Keep your follow-through straight and relaxed. The cue should continue on its course and almost hit the table ahead of the ball’s starting position. Your cue shouldn’t slow down until the tip has actually hit the ball.

Stay down after the shot. This position allows you to analyse the angle of the ball and the direction of every other ball that it strikes. It also ensures that you don’t cause the shot to deviate by accidentally introducing a jumpy motion.

Practice your stroke without actually striking balls until it feels comfortable.

Imagine an invisible ball next to the ball that you want to sink into the pocket.

Place your cue above the ball you want to sink. Angle the cue so that it creates a parallel line from right above the ball to right above the pocket.

Back your cue up and place the tip on the table where the centre of the invisible ball (the one you imagined next to the real ball) would be. Maintain the angle that you just made when you lined up the ball and the pocket.

Keep the cue tip on the table. Pull the rest of the cue around to the right or left until the cue is positioned over the white ball. You now have the angle at which you need to hit the white ball to sink the other ball.

Set your shot up at the angle you just calculated. Strike the centre of the white ball so that it makes contact with the other ball.